News

County supervisors close out FY 2018

Published by admin on Thu, 07/12/2018 - 10:33am

     The Jones County Supervisors took action on several agenda items during their June 26 meeting to close out the Fiscal Year.

     The board approved an appropriation resolution, transferring budgetary authority between various departments.

     “All of the departments end in the black,” reported County Auditor Janine Sulzner.

     The following changes to departmental spending were made:

     • Juvenile Court Services increased by $2,100 to $22,399

     • General Assistance increased by $150 to $40,563

AWF works to bring wounded dog to Monticello

Published by admin on Thu, 07/12/2018 - 10:32am

     The Animal Welfare Friends Shelter in Monticello is anxiously awaiting the arrival of Liam, a 2- or 3-year-old pit bull mix pup from Tennessee, looking for a forever home.

     Several weeks ago, AWF President David Boehm was contacted by a family friend regarding a dog in Tennessee. Boehm said an image of the dog was seen online through a dog-fighting awareness group. It seems Liam was being used as a bait dog to train other dogs to attack.

     “They wanted to know if we (the AWF) had any room,” said Boehm. “And at the time (of the conversation) we did.”

Central Park Lake Project progress update

Published by admin on Thu, 07/12/2018 - 10:27am

     As many of you know, the Central Park Lake Restoration Project is in full swing with access components of the project scheduled to be completed some time in the fall of 2018! Progress is made week by week as crews work on the renovated boat ramp area, new fishing pier, walkway, picnic area, and parking lot, and improvements and access to the south-side beach area.

     With all of the construction and activity at Central Park, our staff receives many questions. Here are some answers to a few common questions we receive in the Conservation Board Office:

Fairview residents question sewer rate increases

Published by admin on Thu, 07/12/2018 - 10:26am

     Several residents in Fairview attended the June 26 Jones County Supervisor meeting to express their concern with EIRUSS and rate increases associated with the Fairview Sanitary Sewer System.

     Karen Bixler spoke on behalf of the residents, with Mark Schneider of EIRUSS also present to answer questions. EIRUSS oversees the sanitary sewer and water systems in both Fairview and Center Junction.

     Bixler said they had a $4.50 rate increase in one year, followed by a $15 rate increase the next year.

Several new laws took effect July 1

Published by admin on Thu, 07/12/2018 - 10:24am

     Rep. Lee Hein (R-Monticello) released information on a few notable bills that passed during the 2018 legislative session, which went into effect on July 1, 2018.

Changes finalized in garbage/recycling services

Published by admin on Wed, 06/27/2018 - 1:59pm

     With the City of Monticello contracting with Republic Service of Dubuque (based in Peosta) for residential garbage and recycling services, the city council took action on June 18 to amend the fees related to the service.

     The city will be billed $10.50 per sanitation collection site per month for garbage, and $4 per collection site per month for recycling, for a total of $14.50.

     The city will apply an administrative fee of $3 per month, bringing the total of $17.50.

Monticello plans for Fourth of July

Published by admin on Wed, 06/27/2018 - 1:58pm

     The City of Monticello is busy preparing for the annual Fourth of July festivities this year!

     As always, the events will be held on Wednesday, July 4, beginning with the Monticello Firemen’s Breakfast at the Berndes Center at the fairgrounds. Breakfast will be served from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m.

     Then, find a prime spot along the parade route for the much-anticipated Fourth of July Parade. This year’s theme is “Marching Toward Success.” The parade kicks off at 11 a.m., beginning and ending at the fairgrounds.

School board ponders relocation of softball diamonds

Published by admin on Wed, 06/27/2018 - 1:57pm

     Does the Monticello Community School District lose a practice football field or one of two practice soccer fields?

     That was the question proposed to the School Board during their June 25 meeting concerning relocation of the two varsity/JV softball fields.

     Superintendent Brian Jaeger explained that where the softball fields sit today, the site is too close to the proposed middle school addition. And should there be future development of a K-4 addition, the fields would definitely have to go.

New state law brings ‘transient merchants’ selling fireworks

Published by admin on Wed, 06/27/2018 - 1:57pm

     Residents of Monticello and those traveling through, driving past Karde’s 151 might notice a couple of large temporary tents selling fireworks in town. Per a new state law in Iowa, this is legal.

     Both vendors have secured the proper paperwork from the state to legally sell fireworks anywhere in Iowa. During the recent Monticello City Council meeting on June 18, City Administrator Doug Herman informed the council that city code does not supersede state law.

     “This is a new issue for us,” warned Herman.

Sheriff’s Office takes part in S.T.E.P.

Published by admin on Wed, 06/27/2018 - 1:54pm

     The Jones County Sheriff’s Office participated in the Special Traffic Enforcement Program (S.T.E.P.). This program ran from May 21 through June 3.

     During the S.T.E.P. wave, the Jones County Sheriff’s Office issued:

     • 21 citations

     • 73 warnings

     • Two felony arrests

     • Six narcotic arrests

     • 24 motorist assists

     • Eight K-9 interdictions

     • Seven arrest warrants were served

     The Sheriff’s Office also investigated

     • Seven property damage accidents

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